Human Rights Watch: New president of Kyrgyzstan should allow media to operate freely

The priorities for a new president of Kyrgyzstan should be ending abuses in the south of the country and repeal of restrictions on media freedom, 24.kg news agency reported referring to the Human Rights Watch.

Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said: "If there is going to be any chance for national reconciliation and regional stability, the new president should end the torture and unfair trials that have become all too familiar and allow the media to operate freely".

HRW gives numerous examples of unfair actions in the southern part of the country as well as the refusal of the Central Election Commission (CEC) to accredit online news agencies, thereby limiting their access to candidates, campaign activities, and timely CEC's information.

"The incoming president should rescind restrictions on the media, respect freedom of information, and tolerate all forms of legitimate speech, including criticism of the new government and its policies," Human Rights Watch said.

Moreover, the new president "should also act swiftly to end the abusive practices and flawed trials that have characterized the justice system in southern Kyrgyzstan since the violence there in June 2010," the international organization believes.